FCC Workshops

Internet Innovation Alliance Commends FCC Staff Workshops for National Broadband Plan

Encourages Focus on Adoption, Importance of Private Investment and Planning for Future Innovations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – August 6, 2009 – The Internet Innovation Alliance, a broad-based coalition that has long supported a comprehensive national broadband strategy to achieve universal broadband availability and adoption, today released the following statement on its support for the Federal Communications Commission’s staff workshops for the development of a National Broadband Plan, the first of which begins today:

“Setting a dialogue among key constituents in motion is an excellent step in the development of a comprehensive, effective national broadband plan. Mayors, Governors and community leaders, for example, have much to offer to the broadband discussion, and inviting insight from those on the ground who are closest to the challenges will bring the FCC closer to the best solutions.

“A successful National Broadband Strategy will pave the way for a partnership between the government and private sector to reach every American from coast to coast with broadband service, while promoting adoption to help households further tap the more than $30 billion in annual consumer benefits. The plan should start by applying lessons learned to craft sustainable solutions, but should evolve as technologies improve and as we learn more from broadband mapping.

“The Internet Innovation Alliance again applauds the FCC for hosting staff workshops throughout August and September to promote public participation in discussing critical elements of a National Broadband Plan. With informed policies and guidelines in place, public and private groups can work hand in hand to ensure the vast benefits of true broadband reach all Americans within the next ten years.”

To read the Internet Innovation Alliance’s response to the FCC’s Notice of Inquiry (NOI), please visit http://internetinnovation.org/files/special-reports/6.8_.09_IIA_NOI_Filing_.pdf. For the IIA’s NOI Reply Comments, visit http://www.internetinnovation.org/library/special-reports/iias-noi-reply-to-fcc/.